6 Best German Cities for International Students, Study Abroad

Where should I study abroad in Germany?

The decision of where in the world to study abroad can be a tough one, but now that you’ve decided to study abroad in Germany the fun can begin! Stunning landscapes, efficient transportation, the biggest economy in the EU, world-class universities, centuries of history and culture, Oktoberfest, a progressive society...Sounds like you’ve made the right choice!

We’re not saying that studying abroad in Germany is a fairytale, but there ARE castles involved...so....

At about the size of Montana, Germany is a big place with a diverse range of options for students of all kinds. So...you’re now probably wondering how you’ll narrow down which city to choose. The good news is that you can’t go wrong—across the board, German university cities are doooope.

This is by no means an exhaustive list of excellent German cities for study abroad, but here are our top six! Read on for the inside scoop on some of Germany’s loveliest cities for study abroad.

Best German cities for international students

1. Berlin

Looking for big cities in Germany? It doesn’t get much bigger than Berlin. The country’s capital seems like a logical place to start. The Berlin Wall and Checkpoint Charlie are probably what first comes to mind when you think of Berlin, but this city is so much more than some of its darker moments in history. Berlin is also known for its art scene, world class museums, and its global influence in science, industry, and politics. Sixty research facilities and more than forty higher education institutions make Berlin an ideal spot for the roughly 200,000 people from all over the world who study and work here.

OBVIOUSLY Berlin was going to show up on the list of best German cities for international students. It’s a knock-out across the board.

While non-German speaking students may find it difficult to study at local institutions, there are plenty of international and satellite schools to choose from. There are also a wealth of program providers offering study abroad opportunities in Berlin. CIS Abroad offers students the opportunity to spend a semester studying business and culture. API at Freie University in Berlin also gives students the opportunity to combine academics with intensive language and cultural immersion. 

Germany is a growing global influencer, so many Germans are learning English; but that also means German is becoming an increasingly important language to learn. Take advantage of your time in Berlin and start studying German! Nothing compares to Berlin’s nightlife, and your improved German skills will make it that much more enjoyable, and easier to make new friends! Berlin might not be the cheapest city in Germany for international students, but it’s hands-down one of the most fun.

2. Dresden

The capital of the Free State of Saxony, Dresden is often dubbed “Florence of the North” for its beauty—making it one of the best German cities for international students. Dresden is home to world class universities and several big tech companies, meaning there are plenty of diverse opportunities for students of all kinds. As a multicultural city, international students will have no trouble fitting in and feeling at home here.

The city is divided into two halves by the Elbe river: the Neustadt (new half) and the Altstadt (old half). Despite being almost entirely destroyed during World War II, Dresden’s history and resiliency is evident everywhere you look. 

Dresden is for lovers—of tech. As one of the big cities in Germany, Dresden boasts some of the best science and technology universities in all of Germany. Students of other fields, such as international business, foreign languages, and humanities, will find excellent options in Dresden too.

Boston University Study Abroad has its very own Dresden German Studies Program. Through this program, students will enroll in one of the oldest and most prestigious technical universities in Germany, study the language in intensive and culturally immersive program, and gain invaluable insight into German culture and education. Ready to dive into one of the best German cities for international students?

3. Hamburg

Hamburg is known for having the longest model railway in the world and the largest Japanese Garden in Europe. Excited yet? With a bustling port and many major corporations, the city is an important economic center in Germany, and one of the best German university cities.

Hamburg tends to fly under the radar when stacked against Berlin and Munich, but it’s 100% worth your consideration.

But it isn’t all work all the time in Hamburg. The North Sea coast, the Elbe River, and Alster Lake provide excellent scenic spots for a study break. Did we mention the city is well-known for its nightlife and food scene, and that students get free entry into the city’s museums? No doubt you’re really excited about studying abroad in Hamburg now!

Popular subjects for international students in Hamburg include law, German language, and management. There are several universities in Hamburg that specialize in a variety of fields. Unlike Berlin and Munich, Hamburg offers many study abroad options in English.

While Germany is more expensive than places in South America and Southeast Asia, the Center for Study Abroad (CSA) offers students budget-friendly study abroad options in this wonderful city. That’s right—you may find Hamburg to be the cheapest city in Germany for international students.

Perhaps you’ve always had your sights set on Germany, its language, and its culture. DAAD is a German studies research grant offering support to Germanophones pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees.

4. Luneburg

You’re probably surprised to see Luneburg on a list of the best places to study in Germany. While we wouldn’t call it one of the big cities in Germany, and it’s not exactly well-known globally, sometimes the best experiences are found in the lesser-known “hidden gems”. Medieval Luneburg will be a picturesque spot for your studies, with its red brick gothic buildings and river views. Doesn’t a stroll along the river in a medieval town sound like the perfect study break?

When you’re not being swept off your feet by the town’s charm or marveling at the gorgeous views and hikes just outside town, you could be studying sustainability and European studies. The University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) offers students courses in sustainability and Germany’s role in the EU, while providing German language immersion and an opportunity to build a community there.

Are you in high school and just refuse to wait until you get to college to begin your study abroad experience? Consider living with a host family and attending a local high school in Luneburg with the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange program (by ASSE International). CBYX is a reciprocal program between the governments of Germany and the US. German teens live with host families in the US, while American teens live with German families.

You’ll be fully immersed in German culture, develop life-long relationships, and seriously improve your German skills, all while attending a German high school and gaining a competitive edge for your university applications (and life in general).

5. Munich

Two of only three universities in all of Germany granted “elite” status by the state can be found in Munich: Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich and Technical University of Munich, making it absolutely one of the best German cities for international students. This elite status means these universities are always attracting funding for cutting edge research in a variety of fields.

Come for the unparalleled history, stay for one of the best German university cities!

ISA (International Studies Abroad) and Wayne State University’s Junior Year in Munich offer students the opportunity to spend a semester at the prestigious Ludwig Maximilian University and experience that world class education firsthand. You’re pretty much guaranteed to get a good education in Bavaria’s capital city. Don’t worry—there is plenty to keep you busy and happy here besides schoolwork.

Situated on the banks of the River Isar, Munich is both beautifully historic and globally important today. Despite being one of the most expensive cities in Germany, it’s fairly affordable compared to other Western European cities. Students can take advantage of the city’s free public services to help them live frugally here. The Center for Study Abroad’s budget-friendly programs ensure you can have a life-changing experience in Munich without being in debt for the rest of your life. 

Munich has always been a hotbed for German philosophy and spiritual study, so those students not inclined towards the hard sciences will still find plenty of opportunity here. Most courses are offered in German so it’s a good idea to supplement your studies with language instruction. Since Munich is one of the big cities in Germany, you will still find some English language classes though, so don’t let the language barrier scare you off.

6. Frankfurt

Frankfurt is home to the largest auto and book expeditions, the European Central Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange, and headquarters for some of Germany’s largest banks. There’s a lot going on in those glittering skyscrapers, which means a lot of opportunity for students from around the world.

Obviously, Frankfurt is an excellent choice for those of you studying finance and business, with plenty of real world experiences and networking opportunities. However, international students will also find plenty of offerings in the fields of philosophy, arts, and sciences (Goethe was born here after all). 

This student-friendly city has been voted one of the most liveable cities in the world for the past few years in a poll by the Economist. While most university courses are offered in German, there are several taught in English.

Summer programs are also geared towards international students, offering German language studies along with science, legal studies, and more. Goethe University’s Frankfurt Summer School offers advanced masters students a program in feminist theory, while offering opportunities to participate in local culture and immersion into the German Language.

Frankfurt Summer Universities also offers a short (three to four week) immersion into German language and culture. You’ll take academic courses in English, while studying German and discovering German student life.

[Browse ALL Destinations for Studying Abroad in Germany]

Next steps to studying in Germany

Don't pack your beer stein juuuust yet. There are a few items on your study abroad to-do list you should check off first.

Decide where to go. As addressed above, figuring out where to study abroad in Germany isn’t easy. One of the big cities in Germany? Somewhere more low key? Don't let anything hold you back—choose a place that's right for you.

Your major courses or something more fun and experiential? You don't only have to take classes that pertain to your major back home (though it never hurts to knock out some credits towards graduation). Look at your course options and decide what combination of required classes and just-for-fun or because-you-want-to-learn-it classes are out there. Choose from literature, the sciences, education, psychology, and more!

Choose from the best study abroad programs in Germany. Pay attention to past participants’ reviews, program/university reputation, location, and your ease of getting credits. Some schools or providers may even provide contact info for student ambassadors or past international students if you want the REAL dirt. Here’s our guide to choosing between study abroad programs. 

Plan your finances. Sort out funding before you go to afford daily essentials and travel splurges (in addition to program costs and airfare). Do your research to have an idea of how much your study abroad program will cost. Check out scholarships for study abroad in Germany too!

Talk to your home university. Getting all your ducks in a row is largely dependent on what your home university requires. Talk to a study abroad advisor or the equivalent at your university to see what choices are available to you.

Study abroad in Germany & live your best life

The best German cities for international students also have the best study snacks.

Germany might not be the biggest country in the world, but there are so many exciting options for international students, and plenty of cool German university cities. Hopefully this list has given you a few ideas to narrow down your search for the perfect study abroad experience.

If you’re worried about not fitting in, you’ll find that Germany is a fairly tolerant and worldly country; just ask the roughly thirteen per cent of the population living there that come from somewhere else!

Now you’re probably trying to figure out how you’ll pay for it all. Well, first start budgeting, and talk to your university about their resources. And we can help too! Check out all of the resources GoAbroad has to offer for Travel Scholarships and Financial Resources.

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